Penn State's regular season comes to a close today as the Nittany Lions take on Minnesota's Golden Gophers at 1:00 P.M. on the Big Ten Network looking for a crucial win for their NCAA Tournament hopes. At 15-13, Penn State's back is surely against the wall. Most bracketologists and the like don't have the Lions anywhere near the NCAA Tournament, but with at least one game left to play in the Big Ten Tournament later this week, Penn State could probably earn enough wins to earn at at-large spot thanks to their top 10 strength of schedule nationally.
The Lions have to beat the Gophers first for any of that to matter, though.
When the two teams met in State College last month, Penn State found itself in a dogfight throughout. A late Talor Battle 3-pointer helped the Lions over the top, but the Gophers were tough at home and will likely be no easier back in their home, Williams Arena.
Stay tuned to SB Nation Pittsburgh for updates through the game, and for some keys to victory in the lead-up to this game, check out Black Shoe Diaries.